Shop Class as Soulcraft

By Matthew B. Crawford,

Book cover of Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work

Book description

A philosopher/mechanic's wise (and sometimes funny) look at the challenges and pleasures of working with one's hands 

“This is a deep exploration of craftsmanship by someone with real, hands-on knowledge. The book is also quirky, surprising, and sometimes quite moving.” —Richard Sennett, author of The Craftsman

Called “the sleeper hit…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Shop Class as Soulcraft as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Shop Class as Soulcraft is a very special book to me, because it’s the first one I read over 10 years ago that managed to perfectly weave between the philosophy and practice of craft. It was that moment of “wow, I want to be able to write like this!”

Too often, craft is studied by academics or theorists, while the craftspeople getting their hands dirty rarely write about what they do. This book so perfectly balances between the two, it’s an ode to making, with the passion for working with your hands oozing from every page in such a brilliantly…

From Rebecca's list on for people who love taking things apart.

Talk about white privilege. This guy gets a doctorate in Philosophy, has a comfy career telling wealthy people what they want to hear, but throws it all away to skin his knuckles in a dingy shop teasing old motorcycles back to life for crap pay and occasional social abuse. Why? Read this book and find out: that working with your hands is satisfying, and good for the soul, connecting you with your essential humanity (so put the book down and go work with your hands). I actually hate this book, really, because he makes many points close to my heart,…

From Strother's list on on working with your hands.

If you love Shop Class as Soulcraft...

Ad

Book cover of Tap Dancing on Everest: A Young Doctor's Unlikely Adventure

Tap Dancing on Everest by Mimi Zieman,

Tap Dancing on Everest, part coming-of-age memoir, part true-survival adventure story, is about a young medical student, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor raised in N.Y.C., who battles self-doubt to serve as the doctor—and only woman—on a remote Everest climb in Tibet.

The team attempts a new route up…

Want books like Shop Class as Soulcraft?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 50 books like Shop Class as Soulcraft.

Browse books like Shop Class as Soulcraft

Book cover of The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight Into Beauty
Book cover of How to Carve Wood: A Book of Projects and Techniques
Book cover of The New Fine Points of Furniture: Early American: The Good, Better, Best, Superior, Masterpiece

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,993

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Shop Class as Soulcraft, you might also like...

Book cover of The Mobile Life

The Mobile Life by Anne Parker,

How do you create a happy life when you move away from home for the first time; or move to a new city or country for work or studies or love; or retire somewhere new? The Mobile Life guides you through the challenge of making new friends and inventing new…

Book cover of The Squiggly Line Career: How Changing Professions Can Advance a Career in Unexpected Ways

The Squiggly Line Career by Angela Champ,

When we're children, we're asked what we want to be when we grow up. But what if there isn't just one career for us in our lifetime? What if we can have a squiggly line career that spans professions and industries?

This book will guide job seekers on the traits…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in work, white privilege, and career development?

Work 31 books
White Privilege 8 books